Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It has been many years, but I think of SGT Monroe often. He was such a bright light. He always had a positive attitude and was SO PROUD of serving his country. He was truly one of the best people I have ever met."
Jodie Aho of West Saint Paul, MN

"Dear Parents my name is SPC Ibrahim, I'm honored to serve in the same unit SPC Christopher T. Monroe was deployed with, there is a special honoring flag with his name at 785th, I would like to send it or bring it my self Please contact me at 586-767-9633, I can't post a picture of it but I can email if you like, Thanks for you sacrifice."
SPC Ibrahim of Detroit, MI

"Hey buddy. I miss you man. I'm sorry that I never has a chance to apologize for the night before and I'm sorry that I never got a chance to say good bye. Got out a year ago, had a little since then to. It's not the same anymore man. Gotta admit, the first few years after I got home was rough, drank to forget, did that ALOT, but that's all behind me. I've never forgotton you, never will either, hell I miss walking into our 8 man bay and seeing your bunk across from mine, and yeah it was rough on all of us in that room after you......left. Still effects me. Say hello to Shane Reifert up there for me ok?"
Levi " Benny" Benedict of Port Huron, MI

"hey chris sorry it has taken me so long to leave you a message it has been really hard since i have been back and now i found out that i have cancer. i have thought about all the fun we had and how knowing you has made me a better person. i remember our promise to each other about watching each others back and i feel like i let you down by not being there with you. you had the biggest heart and helped everyone when you could. so i will have a cold pop like we did all the time and cant wait to see you on the other side. hope you will be waiting for me."
chris hulan of detroit michigan

"I served with Christopher in Iraq and he was a wonderful young man that was taken to soon. I was from another unit in Indiana and was sent up to the 785th. Pre deployment several of us would
ride up together to Michigan. Chris spoke about
wanting to be a police officer and since I had been on a few years we spoke about it
some. I wanted to let you know that I keep his
picture in my patrol car and will never forget
how lucky I am to be doing what he
wanted to do. It has been many years since that tragic day, but I and many others will never forget him."
Phillips of Indianapolis

"Chris I miss you a lot, I am going back to school and every paper I write ends up being about getting deployed and somehow someway I always end up putting you into my paper. I tried to read it in class one day when I started to cry and and couldnt do it any more.

To his mother and brothers - I have been trying to get in touch with you for a while, I have wanted to tell you that I have a son named Christopher he is two, I named him after your son and brother. if you would like to get in contact with me please email me staford02@hotmail.com"
Jessica of Minneapolis, MN

"To the family of Chris Monroe, my deepest sympathies.

I too was on that convoy that evening in the Iraqi desert. The memories of that night are seared into my memory. Sometimes I wish I had a time machine and could change the past.

Before Chris died, he said some final words and I wrote them in my notebook. I asked the Army investigation team for contact information but was put on hold. I would very much like to pass on what he said before he died. I can be contacted at november41869 at yahoo.com"
Scott of currently in Afghanistan

"To the family and friends of SGT. Christopher T. Monroe. I had the immense pleasure of knowing Chis personally. He was an amazing friend and the model for every soldier. I served with Chris in his home unit 384th MP BN. It has been many years since that tragic accident took Chris from so many of us. I have taken my time in deciding exactly what it is that I wanted to convey to you, and it is with a hopeful heart that you might read this and know that your son will never be forgotten. I did not share in the distinct pleasure of serving overseas with your son, but being deployed I have seen the memorials that are on FOB Bucca. Chris has not been forgotten, and much to my surprise the first street you turn onto when enter the camp is his. I will never forget Chris or the price he paid, and I hope it eases your heart to know that your son gives me the strength to continue to do my mission every day.

God Bless you all.
Chris I miss you buddy, and know that I will be seeing you eventually. You will not be forgotten."
SPC. Jonathon Strack of Basrah, Iraq (current) Fort Wayne, IN (Home)

"I was part of that convoy it shouldn't have happiend like it did. I wish we could have done more but we tried with all our hearts to save him. I think about it every day. Maybe we could of done more. I was there when the A1C told the security personel to drive slow and turn on their lights why didnt they do it I will never know. I do hope they know that this wouldn't have happiend if they would have listened. I'm sorry I'm bringing up old pain. I had to get it off my chest and people should know the truth. Know that in his final moments he told us to tell his mom he loved her. He had more fight in him then anything I have ever seen. He was a true blue American hero."
Gaurdian15 of Bucca Vet.

"May God Bless you all. I am so sorry for your loss."
Leila Shipman of Texas

"Every year on October 25th, I think of SGT Monroe and also every year on Memorial Day. I was there in Camp Bucca with him, and I remember him fondly. He was so excited to be a soldier and to be serving his country. He was busy with many duties and tasks, but I never heard him complain. His attitude was amazing, and his work space was filled with pictures of his fiance and family. I just want the family to know that time is passing, but he is not forgotten. I am sorry for the sad loss of his life."
2005 Camp Bucca Veteran

"To my second family,
Everyday I think about Chris, and you guys. I have been despratly trying to get a hold of you. Please sometime if you get this or read this contact me. kit_kat_tori@yahoo.com. I love you all and miss you all very much. Chris- You will always be my little brother. I am so proud of you that words can never describe. I miss you! Rest well my hero and patriot."
Tori (Brown) Bryant of Ashley (Kendallville), IN

"It is October again, almost three years since that horrible day when we lost Chris. Each year about this time, I think of him and remember the tense hours knowing that "something" had happened on that convoy, but not knowing exactly what until we were told that Chris had been killed. I've never forgiven the idiots in that security company who's recklessness took him from us. I pray he rests in peace."
Bucca vet 2005 of New England

"September 27, 2008
To the family of Spc. Christopher T. Monroe:
Christopher gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I WAS FORTUNATE TO SERVE WITH SGT MONROE IN IRAQ. AS TIME MOVES ON I WILL NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICE THAT HE MADE FOR US ALL. I THINK ABOUT HIM EVERYTIME I SEE AN AMERICAN FLAG. SGT MONROE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND HE KEEPS ME INSPIRED TO TRY TO BE THE BEST PERSON THAT I CAN BE. GOD BLESS SGT MONROE AND HIS FAMILY."
TIMOTHY CHRISTIE of INDIANAPOLIS, IN

"Hey Chris, I have been thinking about you lately. I had a son, he will be 3 months old on Aug. 10. I named him after a true hero...you. One day when he gets older I will explain to him that his name came from a real hero whol loved his country and his family. Miss ya buddy, will meet you again some day."
Jessica Stafford of FT Dix NJ

"It doesn't matter who I am. I just wanted you to know...that your Son's video to you from basic training is an inspiration to me. He stands in the shoes of EVERY soldier, Man or Woman, who makes that journey, from hopeful boy or girl, to defender of our Nation.

I have that video saved, and I watch it often...lest I forget what Freedom costs.

I am truly sorry for your loss."
Jeff Shaw (EOD) of Atlanta, Ga - USA {East Coast Time}

"Fort Wayne Patriots Open Invitation
Date: July 7, 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location:
Main Street in front of
Fort Wayne Courthouse Building

My name is Anthony Lewis.
I am an Army Veteran of both Operation:
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom. I served with the 1st and
293rd Infantry Regiment in Iraq between
2002 and 2003. You can find out more
about who I am by reading the following
online articles:

—
Fort Wayne Reader, 05-22-2006
“The rally on the other side of Clinton Street”
http://www.fortwaynereader.com/story.php?uid=727

The war at home
Four years later, supporters and protesters continue to stand firm
By Ryan Lengerich rlengerich@news-sentinel.com
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16939788.htm

A.R.M.A.D. 2007 (Highlights)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr-alSvEs7M

Fort Wayne Patriots on Indiana NewsCenter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGJSCLXGhQU

Rally for the Troops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij9v7rGXF8U
—

I am a member of local group that calls
itself the “Fort Wayne Patriots”. I’ve
been a very proud part of this group
since my return to civilian life. I am
speaking to you now on behalf of this
group. I am writing to you now to
request that you post a public
announcement informing people in the
community of our upcoming event.

We meet on the first Saturday of every
Month. Participation is free to the
public. We hold our rallies across the
street from the downtown Fort Wayne
Court house building between 12 noon
and 1pm. Our next gathering is coming
up very soon.

The public is invited to join us in
showing support for our troops overseas.
We stand across the street from the
Anti-war protesters and this is not a
coincidence. We are not for or against
the war. Our focus is without any
political objective. Our only goal and
priority is to show our support for the
troops and their families.

We invite you to alert the public that
all are welcome to stand with us. Rain
or shine, we are there every month in
our most patriotic attire hoping to
call attention to the fact that we have
troops in harms way fighting to protect
our freedoms and way of life.

You can help us in our champagne and
crusade by spreading the word that here
is an opportunity to express support in
a politically neutral environment.

Rex Mercer is the Founder of the
Fort Wayne Patriots. Our Website is at
http://www.fortwaynepatriots.net/
Rex’s Cellphone number is: 260-609-3461
Mine is: 260-249-8813

You can contact either one of us
regarding these events and our
activities.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Edward Lewis
Cell (260) 249-8813
Fax (484) 288-4588
mailto:Anthony@fortwaynepatriots.net
mailto:fortwaynepatriots@gmail.com
http://www.fortwaynepatriots.net/"
Anthony Lewis of Fort Wayne, Indiana

"To the family of:Christopher T. Monroe I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"This is a great web page and I am glad they can do something for you pal. I am still doing well. Purdue is great and I am doing well. I really wish you were able to experience some of this. It is so unfair that you had to leave. I got one of your wrist bands that I never take off. You were a great person and I will miss you!

Sgt Hakey, Zack"
Zack Hakey of Lafayette, IN

"Hey Christopher... You didn't know me and I'd never met you, but my boyfriend served with you in Iraq. He's told me some great things about you, and he wears your memorial bracelet. My heart goes out to your family. May God be with them and bring them comfort."
Jennifer of St. Louis, MO

"You or your family have never heard of me, but I wanted to thank you"
John Carper of Carmel, CA

"hey buddy, we all still miss you around here, especially newland. this aint the same with out you. we all signed your deck and some how we've found a way to bring it home with us. the time we shared together in our room was great. i miss you man. you were one great guy and an awesome awesome friend. snider misses you as well, she took it hard....i think we all did, but i know that you're watching over us all now in heaven. see you at the gates bro."
spc benedict of camp bucca iraq

"i just want to say to chriss, love ya cus."
kyleigh stabler of georgia

"To the Family and Friends of SPC Christopher Monroe,
I did not know Chris and I did not even know his name until it was released in “Star and Stripes” news paper. I just returned home from Iraq a week ago and I write this because it was a civilian contractor working for my unit that was involved in the accident that took Chris’s life. I am so sorry for your loss. This was such an unfortunate accident that I will carry with me forever. I was the Intelligence NCO on duty when we got the call that there had been an accident. I can tell you that Chris was doing his job superbly and it was just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I realize that this does not make things any easier but I just want you to know that Chris Died doing his duty and no one can take that away from him. You, along with Chris, will be in my prayers. Again, I am so sorry for your loss, the World is a lesser place without him."
Michael Frazier of Owings Mills, Maryland, USA

"My name is John Van Uytven. I went to basic training with Chris. I know he was a good man and a good soldier. He deserves the greatest honor for his sacrifice, he will never be forgotten. If anyone could give me the family's address it would be greatly apprecitated."
John Van Uytven of Oconee, Il

"Your loss has touched my heart we live less than 10 miles apart and my son is serving in Iraq as well
May GOD be with you"
Susan Missler of South Milford IN

"chriss was a great man and i am proud of him. he has touched my life in so many ways even though im only 13 he will never be forgotten in my heart. i am proud to say that christopher t monroe is my cousin."
kyleigh stabler of douglasvile georgia

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Christopher will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Christopher Monroe, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Spc. Christopher Monroe:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Christopher for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Christopher Monroe:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia